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A comprehensive package of bills that will help support Pennsylvania farmers and grow the state’s top industry was signed into law today by the governor. Additionally, a $19.5 million increase in funding for ag-related programs was included in the state budget adopted by the General Assembly last week.

Legislation initially sponsored by Rep. John Hershey (R-Mifflin/Juniata/Franklin) that will maintain local control of medical assistance transportation programs was included in the final version of the Human Services Code legislation during this year's budget process. Rep. Hershey said this will delay the implementation of a statewide transportation brokerage program and preserve the locally operated Juniata County Call Ride Service, which has been very successfully serving residents in need for many years.

House lawmakers this week voted to support a 2019-20 General Fund budget that continues a multi-year effort to hold the line on taxes, fees and spending. Total state spending would be set at $33.997 billion, a 1.8% increase over the current fiscal year, which is in line with the rate of inflation. The plan provides for a record level of spending on education and includes a deposit of more than $250 million into the Rainy-Day Fund, the state’s primary “savings account.” Rep. John Hershey (R-Mifflin/Juniata/Franklin) offered the following comments on the spending priorities of the budget plan.

Lawmakers and county transportation officials recently spoke in support of bipartisan legislation to delay upcoming changes to the Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP), that provides shared rides to medical appointments for MA recipients when other means are unavailable. Changes made last year to the state’s Human Services Code included a requirement that the Department of Human Services revamp the widely used transportation program to require providing services through a statewide or regional broker. While the shift may help urban counties to improve the delivery of services and achieve savings through increased federal reimbursements, there is deep concern among lawmakers that the new system could increase transportation difficulties and costs for rural areas. At a press conference held Tuesday in the state capitol, prime sponsor Rep. John Hershey (R-Franklin/Juniata/Mifflin) said delayed implementation would allow for a thorough review of the plan to determine if rural transportation needs will be met in a cost-effective manner

Members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives were sworn in on New Year’s Day in Harrisburg with the members taking the oath of office in the House chamber at noon to officially begin the 2019-20 legislative session. Republicans hold a 110 member working majority in the House with 19 newly elected Republican members.This is the fifth consecutive term that Republicans have retained majority control of the PA House. Rep. John Hershey (R-Franklin/Juniata/Mifflin) offered the following comments on the swearing-in ceremony and issues expected to be addressed in the new legislative session.